Iwi Must Fund Te Pāti Māori
Before the Next Wave of Laws Threatens to Undo a Century of Progress
By Dr Harpreet Singh | drhsinghnz.substack.com | FB: @DrHSinghNZ | BSky: @DrHSinghNZ | IG: @DrHSinghNZ
Author’s Note: The following article is my personal analysis as an observer concerned about our democracy and the Treaty. The 2026 election is a fight for the soul of Aotearoa. As global support for indigenous rights fades, a shadow looms that could last generations. Iwi must act now, putting aside tribal politics for collective survival. By financially backing Te Pāti Māori, Iwi forge the shield needed to guard the future. They must stand together today, before a century of progress is swept away.
For decades, Māori have fought for a seat at the table. They have used protests, court cases, and petitions to make their voices heard. Today, Iwi are economic giants with billions of dollars in assets. Yet, the political party that fights most fiercely for their rights often struggles to find the money it needs. If Iwi want to protect their future, they must consider a new strategy. They should directly fund the political movements that represent them.
A Balanced Playing Field
Politics in New Zealand is expensive. Large corporations and wealthy individuals pour millions of dollars into mainstream parties every year. These donations buy television ads, expert social media teams, and professional lobbyists. This money ensures that certain voices are always louder than others. While Iwi have gained significant wealth through settlements, that wealth is at risk if the laws of the country change. Without a well-funded political voice, Māori interests are constantly fighting an uphill battle against better-resourced opponents.
The Legal Solution for Iwi
The biggest hurdle for Iwi is the law that governs charities. Most tribal trusts are registered charities, which means they are strictly forbidden from giving money directly to a political party. If they do, they risk losing their tax-free status and hurting their ability to provide for their communities. This is where registered promoters become essential. These are independent groups that can be funded by individual Māori leaders and business owners rather than the charitable trust itself. By setting up these separate bodies, Māori can legally spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on political advertising and campaigns without putting tribal assets at risk.
Countering Organised Opposition
Groups that oppose Māori rights are already using this model with great success. They form independent organisations that register with the Electoral Commission to spend large sums on newspaper ads and digital campaigns to influence public opinion. They do not wait for permission, and they do not slow down. If Iwi do not form their own versions of these groups, they are effectively allowing their opponents to define the narrative for the entire country. A Māori-led registered promoter could run its own national campaigns to educate the public on the Treaty and support the specific policies of Te Pāti Māori, creating a powerful shield against hostile legislation.
The Cause Is Greater Than Us
The 2026 election is not just another vote. It is a battle over the core principles of our country. For Iwi, the choice is clear. They can continue to be silent observers who hope for the best, or they can become active participants who shape their own destiny. By backing the formation of registered promoters today, Iwi can ensure that Te Pāti Māori has the resources to win. This is not about being partisan. It is about the survival of the Māori voice in the highest levels of government. The world is shifting right, and away from indigenous rights, a move that could have devastating implications for decades. Iwi must not let specific interests or personal relationships override the overarching need to protect Māori rights in New Zealand. The cause is greater than personalities, and the time to build this financial infrastructure is now, before the next wave of laws threatens to undo a century of progress.
I would never tell Māori what they should do but they are being attacked by the right every day and what you say makes sense.
I agree. Yes, the cause is greater than any individual. Moves to divide and split have obviously succeeded
with Maori attacking TPM for the internal raru, shifting their votes to other parties. Not being able to see the bigger picture of how important Kotahitanga is.
Not recognising how we are being played by the right! We need a seat at the table! Not waiting for crumbs from the table, nor a by stander, and always in protest mode. Strategic voting!
On the bright side, are the families who are being proactive in inspiring and calling for their whānau, tamaiti and mokopuna to make sure they're enrolled.
I have faith that there is a stirring beneath the surface that will support the cause. Your posts are what I consider, a driving force for long overdue change.
I'm a TPM supporter since the beginning. I believe in the party having true representation. I'm not intending to be a rat jumping ship! Listening to the Divide and Conquer of control!
I have great admiration for Tania Waikato.